AAC Blog

What is ISO 14001 and why is it important?

Written by Daniel Coward | Jul 29, 2021 8:29:16 AM

Promoting environmental systems, the family of ISO 14000 standardises policies, guidelines and objectives in order to implement programmes that promote sustainable and cost-effective processes and techniques.

Specifying specialist requirements to enable effective environmental management systems within organisations within ISO 14000, the ISO 14001 framework can be used for varying sizes of businesses across many industries. Ideal for facilitating more environmentally friendly operations, ISO 14001 fosters a comprehensive approach to manufacturing, waste disposal, warehousing and distribution of services and products.

Devised to improve and streamline environmental performance, ISO 14001 is fast becoming the most popular strategy for becoming an active participant in the fight against the looming global climate change crisis. To make the changes necessary to combat global environmental issues, companies need clear incentives and actionable solutions, all provided by ISO 14000.

Corporate and social responsibility

Negatively impacting ecosystems and species, irresponsible waste management plays a significant role in climate change and air pollution. Landfills are responsible for the release of methane which has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Educating business about the extensive, long term repercussions of poorly planned refuse, alongside better garbage protocols, a more meticulous approach to monitoring an organisation's environmental waste can be implemented.

Supporting environmental change

ISO 14001 certification officially verifies a commitment to combating the environmental challenges we face globally. These formalised standards provide reliable evidence to customers and competitors that a brand is ethically proactive, improving its reputation. A sustainable marketing strategy is the best way to show potential customers what brand values are fair and diligent. In today's progressively environmentally minded society, sustainability is fundamental for success. More and more companies are investing in ethical strategies, aligning company values with environmentally-friendly objectives. Stanford Social Innovation recently published a report stating 88% of business school students think environmental and social issues are priorities in business. Startups and brand managers are increasingly structuring their corporate manifestos around environmental protection, prioritising the use of eco-friendly and recycled products.

Continuous improvement

Devised to empower employees and offer solutions, continuous improvement heightens the efficiency of work processes The ISO 14001 standard upholds the importance of elevating product quality, increasing productivity, reducing waste, employee satisfaction, teamwork and customer satisfaction. ISO 14001 is a constantly evolving system, which remains consistently at the helm of developing competencies, capabilities and strategies, all of which advocate innovation and next-level performance, whilst simultaneously promoting compliance regulations.